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Elijah Taylor charged by police as arrest footage emerges

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·2-min read
Elijah Taylor, pictured here being arrested by WA Police on Sunday.
Elijah Taylor was arrested by WA Police on Sunday. Image: Getty/7News

Sydney Swans rookie Elijah Taylor has been charged by WA Police with unlawful assault.

The 19-year-old was arrested in Perth on Sunday and questioned by police for several hours.

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Taylor has since been charged with unlawful assault - causing bodily harm with circumstances of aggravation.

He will face court on September 30.

7News published footage of Taylor being arrested on Sunday, and also of the 19-year-old leaving the police station.

“We're aware of a report but have no comment on it,” Swans coach John Longmire told reporters after the his side’s defeat to Brisbane in Cairns on Sunday night.

Pressed for further information, Longmire said: “We're just aware of a report and I'm sure you'll respect the fact that I've been coaching, so no comment.”

Taylor is currently suspended for the rest of the AFL season after breaching COVID-19 quarantine protocols in Perth last month.

He has since been staying in Perth with family members.

Taylor made his AFL debut this season and has played four senior matches to date.

Elijah Taylor, pictured here in action for the Swans against Hawthorn.
Elijah Taylor in action for the Swans against Hawthorn. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Swans wait on Elijah Taylor investigation

Sydney Swans chief executive Tom Harley previously said the club will not make a call on Taylor's AFL future until investigations into “extremely serious” allegations against the young player are complete.

“It's important that we take the time, and all people involved in an investigation need to take the time, to unearth the facts,” Harley told reporters previously.

“So I can't give a hypothetical as to when that might conclude.

“What is important is that there aren't any steps that aren't followed through and (we) have confidence in the process through the AFL's integrity unit.”

Harley refused to detail the club’s discussions with Taylor, and would not say whether the player had confirmed or denied any of the allegations against him.

Taylor, taken at pick 36 in last year's draft, has played four matches in his debut season.

He is contracted for 2021, however, his playing future is now unclear.

with AAP